Environmental regulations are essential to balance development with ecological sustainability, yet delays in Environmental Clearance (EC) and Forest Clearance (FC) are slowing down critical infrastructure projects. As of February 4, 2025, a total of 331 projects from Central and State Governments are awaiting approvals under the Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) Notification, 2006.

 

The Clearance Process: A Procedural Roadblock?

 

The Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) and State Level Expert Appraisal Committees (SEACs) review environmental implications, including concerns raised in public consultations, before granting EC. Similarly, FC approvals under the Van (Sanrakshan Evam Samvardhan) Adhiniyam, 1980, follow a structured process. However, despite clear guidelines, delays remain a persistent challenge, affecting infrastructure, industrial and urban development projects.

 

State-Wise Pendency: Maharashtra Leads in Backlogs

 

Maharashtra accounts for the highest number of pending proposals (193), followed by Odisha (26) and Rajasthan (24). The distribution of pending projects reflects a geographical imbalance, with certain states experiencing higher delays, potentially impacting economic growth and employment.

 

Key Cases: Rajasthan’s Stalled Projects

 

Two significant proposals from Rajasthan—the Bichoon Industrial Area (Jaipur) and the New Green Field Airport (Bundi)—are pending at the Central level. Given the state’s push for industrial and transport infrastructure, these projects hold strategic importance for economic growth, tourism, and connectivity.

 

The Need for Reform

 

The current system of environmental clearance, while necessary for sustainable development, faces four critical challenges:

1. Lengthy Approval Timelines: Despite defined timelines, bureaucratic inefficiencies cause delays, impacting project costs and investor confidence.

2. Fragmented Responsibility: Multiple agencies, including EACs, SEACs, and SEIAAs, create procedural overlaps, leading to slow decision-making.

3. Lack of Digital Transparency: While the PARIVESH portal tracks applications, real-time updates and inter-agency coordination remain weak.

4. Balancing Environment & Development: Project proponents argue that stringent environmental norms, while necessary, should not hinder essential infrastructure.

 

Way Forward: Streamlining Environmental Governance

• Digitization & AI-Based Approvals: Automating preliminary assessments can expedite decision-making while ensuring compliance.

• Strengthening Regional Committees: More empowered SEIAAs can reduce the burden on Central authorities, preventing state-level bottlenecks.

• Sector-Specific Fast-Track Mechanisms: Critical infrastructure, renewable energy, and urban expansion projects should have priority evaluation frameworks.

• Robust Public Consultations: Engaging local communities while expediting approvals can create a balanced environmental and economic approach.

Conclusion

 

A transparent, efficient, and scientifically driven environmental clearance process is essential to ensure that economic growth does not come at the cost of environmental sustainability. The government must resolve bureaucratic delays, improve digital monitoring, and optimize regulatory frameworks to achieve sustainable and timely project approvals.